UNTIL THE VIOLENCE STOPS

February's here. Time to start talking vaginas.

Yes, yes, check it again, I said vaginas.

Now, as a lover of love, I LOOOOVE me my valentines day. Just what the depressing month of February needs; glittery hearts, secret admirers, romantic comedies, dark chocolate, and looooove in the air.

But for millions of women and girls worldwide, it is not love, but violence that consumes daily life.

Eve Ensler, the author of works such as The Vagina Monologues, The Good Body, and Insecure At Last, started the movement known as V-Day. The most common way to support V-Day is to attend a Vagina Monologues performance or Ensler film showing near you! Ames M-Shop, I'll be seeing you Friday, February 12th! (Cheering on my beautiful friends Kimmy and Christelle!)

I know it sounds scary. Really, I do. I was scared too, but after my first show in 2008 I went home and wrote this to my aunties, mommy, and friends:

"On Valentines Day, Megen and I went to the Vagina Monologues. ALL you females in the house- find a performance somewhere AND GO. Bring the men. Sounds scary- sounds too feminist or awkward - but it is fabulous. We laughed. We cried. We really did feel empowered and educated. We went home wanting to scream VAGINA! ... not. even. kidding. Really. GO! GO! GO!"

You will not find man haters, flaming bras, or tampons.

Instead, expect to sit in an atmosphere of love. Expect to hear stories of both confusion and understanding, of peace and violence. Expect to leave inspired. Expect to feel sexy and proud to be a woman (or a man who appreciates women). Expect to laugh, cry, and go, mmmhmmm. & if you're in Ames, expect chocolate vaginas for sale.

Ticket proceeds are donated to local women's shelters/organizations and also support V-Day's spotlight area. 2010's spotlight is the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where rape, forced prostitution, kidnapping, and other gender-based horrors are a daily threat to women and girls. This Valentines season, don't forget about the women and girls around the world who need our dire help. Take time during this dreary month to learn more about the V-Day movement because us Vagina Warriors aren't going anywhere "Until the Violence Stops".

(read more about V-Day from: www.vday.org where you can also find more information on Eve Ensler, her mission, ways to participate, and your nearest V-Day performance)

V-day's mission:

V-Day is an organized response against violence toward women.

V-Day is a vision: We see a world where women live safely and freely.

V-Day is a demand: Rape, incest, battery, genital mutilation and sexual slavery must end now.

V-Day is a spirit: We believe women should spend their lives creating and thriving rather than surviving or recovering from terrible atrocities.

V-Day is a catalyst: By raising money and consciousness, it will unify and strengthen existing anti-violence efforts. Triggering far-reaching awareness, it will lay the groundwork for new educational, protective, and legislative endeavors throughout the world.

V-Day is a process: We will work as long as it takes. We will not stop until the violence stops.

V-Day is a day. We proclaim Valentine's Day as V-Day, to celebrate women and end the violence.

V-Day is a fierce, wild, unstoppable movement and community. Join us!